888 THE FRUIT INDUSTRY IN NEW YORK STATE 



5. All dwarfing stocks have relatively shallow root systems that 

 are undesirable, for the trees, young or old, loaded or unloaded, 

 blow over, the orchard cannot be properly cultivated, the shallow- 

 rooted dwarfs suffer more from drought than do the deep-rooted 

 standards, and lastly, root injuries from plow and cultivator are 

 more frequent with shallow-rooted stocks. 



6. The suckering habit of the dwarf stocks is a vexatious trouble 

 with which growers of dwarf trees must contend. 



7. In the exceedingly variable climate of New York, it is 

 difficult to find a method and a time to prune that are satisfactory 

 in the summer. The results for which summer pruning is done 

 do not always attend, and positive harm often follows because of 

 weak, sickly, second growth, which so often is an after effect and 

 which nearly always succumbs the succeeding winter. 



8. The data secured in this test show that the trees on dwarfing 

 stocks come into commercial bearing somewhat earlier than do 

 those on standard stocks. There are no indications, however, that 

 the dwarfs come into bearing sufficiently early or that they bear 

 enough fruit to make them profitable as compared with standards. 



9. It is a common claim that dwarf apple trees produce larger, 

 handsomer, and better-flavored fruits than standard trees. There 

 is little in these three orchards to substantiate these claims. There 

 are differences between trees on the three stocks, but they are as 

 often as not in favor of standards as of dwarfs. 



10. The chief advantages of the dwarf trees are such as appeal 

 to the amateur rather than to the professional apple grower. 

 Thus, a dwarf tree occupies less space and a greater variety can 

 therefore be grown in a garden or orchard. The plants are also 

 handsomer as ornamentals. 



NOTE. Send to State Experiment Station, Geneva, N. Y., for Bulletin 406 

 on Dwarf Orchards. 



